Medical Needle System

Abstract

A spinal needle that includes a needle body insertable through tissue to a desired depth within a patient's body, the spinal needle is capable of retaining bodily fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid, and provides a window capable of allowing a user to view the existence or non-existence of bodily fluid retained therein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a spinal needle, and more particularly to a spinal needle constructed to reduce incidence of complications in intrathecal procedures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Spinal needles have the benefit of supplying a dense neural block that inhibits nerve receptors and provides highly effective pain relief. However, there are certain negative side effects that occur following a puncture to the dura.[0003]One well known complication following spinal anesthesia and other spinal needles is post spinal puncture headache (“PSPH”). PSPH occurs due to dural and arachnoid puncture from a loss of cerebrospinal fluid.[0004]Currently, following puncture of the dura such that the catheter is threaded into the epidural space, the spinal needle is removed. However, during said removal, there is a period in which the cerebrospinal fluid is able to escape prior to the insertion of the catheter. Further, during the transition between the spina...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a spinal needle with a one-way valve to prevent loss of spinal fluid during the transition from the removal of a stylet that is then replaced by the injection of spinal anesthesia from the needle body and delivered to a patient's spine. The needle also reduces cerebrospinal fluid loss and allows visually confirmation of the proper placement of the needle inside the patient. Additionally, the invention includes a medical needle system with an introducer and a stylet that can engage and disengage within the medical needle cannula, a retaining body with a window for viewing bodily fluid contents, and a detection member that changes color when in contact with bodily fluid.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are certain negative side effects that occur following a puncture to the dura.

Further, during the transition between the spinal needle and the catheter, there is a high incidence of cerebrospinal fluid escape.

The dura and the arachnoid are in close contact that usually it is not possible to puncture the dura without also piercing the arachnoid.

Nevertheless, on rare occasions, the tip of the conventional epidural or spinal needle may accidentally enter the subdural space.

Local anesthetic inadvertently injected into the subdural space will diffuse poorly and result in inadequate contact with the nerve roots.

Poor or absent anesthesia may ensue.

Should subdural placement occur during an attempted epidural anesthetic, the improper position of the needle may not be recognized and the injection of an epidural dose of local anesthetic may result in a much higher block than anticipated.

However, the incidence of postspinal headache is increased with the larger needle, particularly if the larger needle is also equipped with a standard point which is a cutting bevel.

Bringing the patient into the erect position also results in traction on the pain-sensitive, dilated blood vessels.

There is currently no adequate spinal needle system or device capable of sufficiently reducing the loss of cerebrospinal fluid escape following the transition between the spinal needle and the catheter.

Nor is there an adequate needle for indicating cerebral spinal fluid contained within the body of the needle.

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